Habs Fan in Edmonton

Yes, the Leafs are strapped and after making that trade the Habs would be strapped. I love Marner but is he a fit at 10.89M a year?

I was also disappointed we didn't resign Radulov however we will likely never know what the cost/term was to keep him. A lot of people crucified MB for not resigning him but few gave him credit for taking the chance to bring him back when nobody else would take a chance on him.

I think there is zero chance that Draisatl (league scoring champion and possible MVP) becomes available, his contract at 8.5 mil for the next 5 years is also pretty good value right now. I think Nurse would be a great fit but the Oilers are unlikely to move him. Agree that you would get maximum value for Gallagher right now, love the guy but his body will wear down with the style he plays.

In my opinion Lekhonen is a keeper. He is almost the perfect 3rd line winger, gives 100%, excellent skater, plays both ends of the ice. He may only score 13-15 goals/year but for a 3rd line winger that is absolutely fine. There would be a lot of takers if the Habs wanted to get rid of him.

True, 6 goals in 35 playoff games is well below his regular season average. Loved his play for the Habs during the last 2 regular seasons but the playoffs is a different animal.

Tartar had a poor playoff, I don't think anyone would argue that. He was one of a group of players that under performed offensively.

The 4th line wasn't the problem, the Habs lost because they didn't score enough. I like Nate Thompson but he wouldn't haven't been the difference. They needed some of the their goal scorers to come through, Gallagher, Danault, Byron and Domi had 3 goals between them in 10 games. Not nearly good enough. i hate being critical of Gallagher, he was playing hurt and there is nobody I respect more on the Habs.

The Habs have 3 2nd round picks and I think at this most point they should be more interested in quality not quantity. They can definitely be used as currency if there is a player they are targeting. Time for MB to get a little creative.

Tatar had 2 goals in the playoffs, Kovalchuk had a grand total of 1 assist. Nate Thompson had 1 goal. I agree with many of your other points especially regarding Lehkonen, Suzuki and KK.

One thing for sure, there will be less talk of trading for a centre which will be a nice change, Suzuki, KK and Danault is starting to look like a good group. I agree about Petry, that is a big decision. He will be 33 next year, has been a work horse and still has some good years left but his best years are behind him. Trading him now would likely bring good value but also leaves a hole on the right side and Weber is not getting any younger. Good to see St. Louis going down as i believe the Habs have their 2nd round pick which should be higher now. Maybe they can package a couple of their 2nd round picks and move up in the draft.

Tough one. The Habs deserved a better fate tonight. At least the future looks brighter, the Pacioretty trade is looking better all the time.

No way should there be a suspension for KK, had a ballgame tonight so missed the game, let's get it to game 7.

I agree with a lot of your points. Excited to see how KK and Suzuki are developing, it bodes well for the future, this kind of experience will do wonders for their development. I don't think their defence is deep enough yet, their top 3 is going to log a lot of minutes and will likely get worn down in a grueling 7 game series. However the positives vastly outweigh the negatives right now.

I don't think the Hawks beating the Oilers would be a huge upset. Also I want the Oilers to win so the Hawks pick in the 2nd round is higher. As a Habs fan why would you want Chicago to win?

You make a lot of good points. Sure, I would love the #1 pick but there is an 87.5% chance we don't get it if we lose. I don't think they will win the cup either but you get a hot goalie, kids develop quicker than you think, other teams suffer some key injuries and you never know. Right now we are playing with house money, I am thrilled with any win but won't be crushed if they lose. I am also thrilled to see the way Suzuki is developing. He is a keeper.

Stranger things have happened in playoff hockey.

I have a long term outlook too but if you can't enjoy a playoff victory then you might as well ............................... sorry I don't know how finish the sentence. Playoff victories haven't been exactly plentiful the last few years.

Great point. Don't mess with the Habs in August!!

I haven't given up on him either, he has talent but there seems to be some work required from the neck up.

Suzuki is going to be a good one. No doubt about that.

Yes!! And I didn't think I would care about hockey in August.

I hope we are on to something here. Great experience and confidence building opportunities for the kids.

Thanks guys, I knew you would have the answer. Let's go Oilers!! They sure stunk it out in game 1.

I have a question. Will the results of the 1st round of playoffs have an effect on where teams draft in the 2nd round or are those set. (ie. the Habs have the Hawks 2nd round pick, if they beat Edmonton does that mean a later 2nd round pick?) Thanks

I would not prefer 3 embarrassing losses, would prefer the players to give it a good go and end the season with a little confidence going into next year.